Police are hunting vandals after pro-IRA graffiti was daubed on a war memorial.

The cenotaph in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, is believed to have been targeted over the weekend by vandals using paint, cement and silicon.

The incident happened at the corner of Bank Street and Blair Road near West End Park in the town.

Police have launched an investigation and branded the graffiti a "senseless act".

Officers are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward.

Inspector Louise Brownlie said: "We have received several reports of vandalism at the Coatbridge Cenotaph.

"This senseless act has no place in our community and we are attempting to trace the persons responsible.

"That area is a priority route for our dedicated community policing teams and we will continue to engage with local residents on this issue.

"Our partners at North Lanarkshire Council will shortly be removing the graffiti from the cenotaph.

"Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact Community Police at Coatbridge via 101."